GETTING TO HEAVEN (And Other Miracles) by Gary Stein

These deceptively plainspoken, accessible poems explore doubt and belief, flesh and spirit, science and faith. Stein, lawyer as well as poet, writes of the certainties and mysteries of mortality in a voice tender, wise, and wry. His poetry of lived experience gently confronts unanswerable questions. “Death must be the last surprise,” but the miracle here is life.

–Ellen Prentiss Campbell, author of Frieda’s Song and The Bowl with Gold Seams

In this rich volume, Stein offers the reader the chance to confront and appreciate the intricacy and beauty to be found in the ordinary experiences of everyday — lost glasses, wanting a dog, the death of a parent,  fishing.  The intense focus and detailed imagery are compelling. These poems challenge us not only to examine the mystery of all that is offered to us in this life but also to engage with it, to enjoy and find humor in it, to hold it up to the light and marvel.

–Lori Shpunt, Ph.D., author of 4 poetry chapbooks including Moving Expenses and Closing Arguments